Padilla pushes tighter medical cannabis rules

Senator Robinhood Padilla on Saturday renewed his call for the strict regulation of medical cannabis, saying it could offer relief — and hope — to Filipinos suffering from debilitating illnesses.

Padilla filed Senate Bill No. 15, also known as the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, in July. The proposed measure seeks to legalize and regulate the use of medical cannabis as a treatment option, while putting strong safeguards in place to prevent abuse or recreational use.

“As a public servant, I believe it is our duty to give Filipino patients safe and proper access to medical cannabis, especially if it can help improve their condition,” Padilla said.

Under the bill, the entire process — from cultivation and production to prescription and distribution — would be tightly regulated by a proposed Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority under the Department of Health. The goal, Padilla said, is to ensure that medical cannabis is used in a safe, controlled, and compassionate way.

“This is not just about medicine,” he added. “It’s about giving hope and a better quality of life to Filipinos who have long been suffering from chronic diseases.”

Padilla also stressed that the measure is designed to protect patients and the public. “We want to make sure people have real choices, proper safeguards, and that no one is left behind by a system that no longer meets their needs,” he said.

The proposed law also includes penalties for patients, doctors, or industry players who violate its provisions, reinforcing the bill’s focus on accountability and responsible use.

Medical cannabis legal in 50 countries

Globally, cannabis laws are shifting from prohibition to regulated use, though full legalization is rare. Most countries allow medical cannabis, while a smaller group permits recreational use under strict rules.

Medical cannabis is now legal in nearly 50 countries, including Germany, the UK, Israel, Brazil and Thailand, typically for chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, and palliative care. Patients usually need a prescription or registration, and access is limited to approved forms.

Recreational cannabis is legal in countries like Canada and Uruguay, with others such as Germany, Malta, South Africa, and Thailand gradually adopting frameworks. 

US states and the Australian Capital Territory offer patchwork legalization, often with restrictions on sales.